No one deserves to be the victim of bullying. Everyone has the right to be treated with
respect. The Club will not accept or condone bullying in football and has defined bullying as a category of abuse. It is the responsibility of everyone in football, whatever their role, to ensure that bullying is dealt with appropriately.

Bullying can be defined as:

Physical: hitting, kicking and theft, Verbal: name-calling, constant teasing, sarcasm, racist, sexist or homophobic taunts or comments about disability, threats and gestures emotional tormenting, mobile text messaging, ridiculing, humiliating and ignoring or isolating. Bullying can take place anywhere but is more likely to take place where there is inadequate supervision, e.g. in the changing rooms or on the way to and from the football pitch - but it can also take place at a training session or competition. Football’s competitive nature can create and even support an environment for the bully if individuals and clubs are unaware or fail to challenge.

The bully in football can be:

• A parent who pushes too hard
• A coach or manager who has a win-at-all-costs philosophy
• A child or young person intimidating another
• An official who places unfair pressure on a child or young person.
The damage inflicted by bullying can often be underestimated. It can cause considerable
distress to children and young people, in some cases affecting their health and
development. In extreme circumstances it can lead to self-harm.

Bullying as a result of any form of discrimination

Bullying because of discrimination occurs when bullying is motivated by a prejudice against certain people or groups of people. This may be because of their gender, age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability or ability.

Generally, these forms of bullying look like other sorts of bullying, but in particular it can
include:

• Verbal abuse – derogatory remarks about young female players, suggesting they are
inferior to boys; or that young black, Asian or minority ethnic coaches are not as capable as
white coaches; spreading rumours that a young referee is gay, or that someone or
something is inferior and so they are ‘gay’ – for example, “you’re so gay!” or “those trainers
are so gay”.
Ridiculing a young volunteer because of a disability or mental health related issue, or
because they have a physical, mental or emotional developmental delay.
Referring to someone by the colour of their skin, rather than their name; using nicknames
that have racial connotations; isolating someone because they come from another country
or social background etc.
• Physical abuse – including hitting, punching, kicking, sexual assault, and threatening
behaviour.
• Cyberbullying – using on-line spaces to spread rumours about someone or exclude them.
It can also include text messaging, including video and picture messaging.
Discrimination is often driven by a lack of understanding which only serves to strengthen
stereotypes and can potentially lead to actions that may cause women, ethnic minorities,
disabled people, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people, or people who follow specific religions or beliefs, to feel excluded, isolated or undervalued.
• If an incident occurs, members should be informed that discriminatory language is
offensive, and will not be tolerated. If a member continues to make discriminatory remarks, explain in detail the effects that discrimination and bullying has on people. If it is a young person making the remarks their parents should be informed just as in any breach of the club’s Code of Conduct and Anti- Bullying policy.

• If a member makes persistent remarks, they should be removed from the training setting in line with managing challenging behaviour procedures and the club’s Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) or club officials should talk to them in more detail about why their comments are unacceptable and If the problem persists, the member should be made to understand the sanctions that will apply if they continue to use discriminatory language or behaviour.

Consideration will be given to inviting the parents/carers to the club to discuss the attitudes of the youth member in line with the procedures detailed in The FA’s Anti-Bullying template policy.

Cyberbullying

Young people are communicating more frequently online through social networking sites
and via mobile – whilst a great way to communicate it also lends itself to potential abuse.
Cyberbullying is when a person uses technology i.e. mobile phones or the internet (social
networking sites, chat rooms, instant messenger), to deliberately upset someone. This
behaviour can also be referred to as ‘Trolling’ when deliberately offensive comments are
posted on an individual’s social media pages aimed at causing upset and distress. This type of behaviour could result in legal action.

Bullies often feel anonymous and ‘distanced’ from the incident when it takes place online
and ‘bystanders’ can easily become bullies themselves by forwarding the information on.
There is a growing trend for bullying to occur on line or via texts - bullies no longer rely on
being physically near to the young person.
It is the Clubs responsibility to ensure our website and our Facebook pages are being used
appropriately and any online bullying must be dealt with swiftly and appropriately.
All young people should know that there are potential risks associated with meeting up
with people they have only met online. A young lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender
person will naturally want to meet other lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people with
similar experiences, and they will seek friends they can relate to and a community where
they can be themselves. This can make them particularly vulnerable in an online
environment. It’s essential that they understand that healthy friendships are based on
mutual respect and trust and where to turn for further advice and support.

For more information visit www.stonewall.org.uk to speak with someone call 0800 050 2020.

Children with disabilities also use the online world to meet others and at times hide their
disability in order to make friends and build relationships. People who pose on line as
children may target disabled children and young people.
Remember that The FA’s equality team has more information about tackling homophobia in football, email equality@TheFA.com or visit www.TheFA.com/equality
Taking a proactive approach
• The Club will ensure The FA’s definition of bullying and its anti-bullying policy are
promoted
• The Club will ensure to promote the FA’s codes of conduct of which an anti-bullying policy
is a part and have adopted The FA’s Respect Codes of Conduct
• Ensure that all signs of bullying is taken seriously
• Endeavour to raise awareness of what discriminatory bullying is
• Develop an open environment that encourages children and young people
to share their concerns

The Club will ensure regular monitoring of our website and social networking sites.
Remember that it is not the responsibility of an individual to decide that bullying is or is nottaking place in football, but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns.